How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School

by Richard J. Stelzer

Here's the unique and acclaimed reference work that every year more and more applicants are turning to for much-needed help in confronting one of the most challenging and perplexing aspects of the graduate admissions process. Includes 30 examples of successful statements and also reveals what not to include.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Kathleen Seal]

I realize that non-fiction books aren't the norm on Good Reads, but thought I'd share this instructional guide. Writing a general statement about oneself is more daunting then you would think. This book was particularly helpful in giving a set of questions to ask yourself in preparing the writing of a personal statement for grad/professional school. These include finding what's special, unique, distinctive or impressive about yourself and thinking about experiences that might have influenced you into becoming interested in a particular field to name a few. The book also gives insightful perspective from admission committee members comments on reading personal statements and what their school are looking for. Plenty of examples of winning statements.

[LibraryEnthusiast]

This is a good book for anyone who is preparing to apply to professional school. It provides an overview, samples from a range of schools and insights from the people who make admissions decisions.

[Julie Holland]

Similar to a lot of other books on personal statements, but this one does definitely provide the most examples which was great.

[Christian]

Ultimtely a helpful book. However, too many of the sample statements are from promising people who don't need to worry about this book. I eventually lost count of the number of decorated veterans with multiple masters degrees who were applying to medical school. If that sounds like you, and you haven't already mastered the art of the personal statement, then this book is definitely for you.

Also, many of the statements date to the 1980s or early 1990s. I know the range of human experience hasn't expanded significantly since then, but some more up-to-date essays would be a plus.

In the end, it is still a useful guide, and I recommend that grad-school applicants spend an hour or two flipping through it (and photocopying a page or two) prior to sending in a half-assed statement.

[Andrew]

Stelzer's book has been an enlightening read for me. I knew little about what is expected in personal statements before now; though it's not a hand-holding, step by step how to, this provides an overall perspective of what's accepted and expected. I'd say this is a must-read for anyone new to academia; I now have at least a good direction for what to write in the often required personal statement.

[Lauren]

Helpful.

[Sara]

Did not apply to our needs, but interesting to leaf through.

[Chris]

Sucked.

[Sasha]

I'll give this 5 stars if I get into grad school.